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A j-pouch, or ileal pouch reconstruction, is a surgery that is used for ulcerative colitis patients, and is usually completed in two steps.

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Friday, March 21, 2008

Imperforate anus or anal atresia is a congenital abnormality in which the anorectal region is abnormal or incompletely developed. In some cases, the rectum may end and not connect with the anus, or it may connect in the wrong spot. For example, it may connect to the urethra, bladder, or vagina. (See the section on fistulas). In other cases, the anus may be very narrow or missing altogether. The result is that stool cannot pass out of the colon. Imperforate anus occurs in about 1 in 5,000 infants.

Another malformation that results in absence of a functioning anus is congenital cloaca. In patients with this abnormality, the anal muscles and vagina fail to form and the result is a large, ill-defined opening that represents the rectum as well as the vagina and bladder, depending on the extent of the defect. Cloaca deformity of the anus usually requires a colostomy but may be correctable with a surgical procedure that transfers a muscle from another part of the body to create a functioning sphincter at the anus.

Symptoms of imperforate anus include

no bowel movement within 24 to 48 hours after birth

a missing or misplaced anal opening

stool that comes out of the vagina or urethra

abdominal swelling (distention)

Imperforate anus is usually found when the infant is first examined after birth. Imperforate anus is categorized on the basis of the location of the end of the rectum in relation to the muscles that support the rectum and other organs in the pelvis, called the levator ani muscles. These location categories are

high: the rectum ends above the muscles

intermediate: the rectum ends at the level of the muscles

low: the rectum ends below the muscles

In all cases of imperforate anus, surgery is necessary to reconstruct the anus. Low imperforate anus is corrected through a minor procedure just after birth. High imperforate anus may require surgery to separate the rectum from the other organs if the rectum is connected with them. The outcome is usually very good, but some infants may not develop good bowel control after surgery because the anal muscles may not form. A child with high imperforate anus often has other GI problems, such as malrotation and intestinal atresia

Factors that affect the outcome of treatment include the location of the abnormality, the patient's sex, and the age at which the surgery is done. Surgery to correct low imperforate anus in boys usually has an excellent outcome. Correcting cloaca in girls requires a more difficult procedure and is more prone to complications.

This is the time to get inspired. Having ulcerative colitis doesn't mean life is over. Sure, there will be challenges, but with the right guidance and support, there's no reason you can't get right out there!

Tell Your UC & J-Pouch Surgery Story

Do you have a story to tell?Of course you do. Everyone with inflammatory bowel disease has a story of overcoming illness and adversity.If you have ulcerative colitis, you can tell your story and become a member of our support group. Just write your story, suggestions, anything you want to share with other UC patient's .Please send us your personal story, it help others coping with the same issues.Email us at:anscreativity@gmail.com. Once we will post it , will send you the link.

Illustration of the Digestive System

Welcome to the first Blog on the web dedicated to the Ileo-anal anastomosis, or "J-Pouch" operation

This Blog is created by Miss Anshu Gupta(Ulcerative Colitis Patient, Operated for J-Pouch Surgery) by the team of expert Liver Transplant & Gastrointestinal Surgeons,Dr Subash Gupta, Dr Samiran Nundy, Dr A.S Soinof SGRH New Delhi, India, in Dec. 2005.Join me for support and information regarding this procedure. I hope to bring you the most information on the web as you plan for the operation or are dealing with life after suffering with Ulcerative Colitis, Cancer or familial polyposis.

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Disclaimer: This Blog provides general information about Ulcerative Colitis & J-Pouch Surgery, Digestive Disease, Cancer,Treatments, Transplants and in no means should be taken as a medical or health advice. Please consult your doctor before acting on any of its information.